Can You Trust the Surprising Windows 11 KB5062553 Update?

Is the Windows 11 KB5062553 Update a Problem or a Solution?

I see the Windows 11 KB5062553 update is here for version 24H2. It’s a big deal if you want your computer to stay safe and work better. This update comes with five new features. One of the most noticeable changes is the option for smaller taskbar icons. The update is automatic, so you don’t have to do anything. It will show up as “2025-07 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5062553)” and brings your PC to Build 26100.4652.

Smaller Taskbar Icons: More Space, Less Clutter

There’s a new setting called “Show smaller taskbar buttons.”

When you open lots of apps and the taskbar gets crowded, Windows makes the icons smaller so you can see more at once.

By default, icons shrink only when the taskbar is full. You can change this to “Always” if you want small icons all the time.

If you don’t like the look, you can turn this feature off in Settings under Personalization > Taskbar.

The taskbar itself doesn’t get smaller—just the icons do.

Downloading the Update: Easy and Flexible

The update rolls out through Windows Update.

If you need the update for several PCs, you can get the offline installer (.msu file) from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

The download is about 3GB for both ARM and Intel/AMD computers.

The file is larger because it includes AI models. These models are not used on regular PCs but are part of the package.

New Features in Build 26100.4652

Taskbar Icon Indicators

You can now see clearer pill-shaped alerts under taskbar icons. These indicators help you notice which apps need your attention.

Narrator Screen Curtain

Narrator users can now black out the screen for privacy.

Press Ctrl + Windows + Enter to start Narrator, then Lock + Ctrl + C to turn on or off the “Screen Curtain.”

Narrator will still read text out loud, but people nearby can’t see what’s on the screen.

Click To Do for Copilot+ PCs

For Copilot+ PCs, you get a new “Ask Microsoft 365 Copilot” option in the Click To Do menu. You can highlight text or images and send them to Copilot for quick answers, without copy-pasting. This is only for new AI-powered PCs.

Faster File Explorer

File Explorer now extracts .7z and .rar archives up to 10–15% faster when there are thousands of files. If you only have a few large files, you might not notice a speed boost. Zip files were already optimized, so the improvement is for .7z and .rar formats.

PC-to-PC Migration

There’s a new feature for transferring files between PCs on the same network. You connect with a PIN code and move files wirelessly, no cloud needed. Right now, it’s just a placeholder, but it should work soon.

Important Fixes in the July 2025 Update

• Storage Space Direct (S2D) works faster for complex jobs.
• Fixed a bug that made it hard to delete unused features or language packs.
• Windows Search loads a bit quicker.
• Fewer screen flashes when changing GPU settings.
• Fixed thick lines when printing from the built-in printer.
• Apps won’t freeze when using Alt+Tab during games.
• Fixed window size changes after sleep mode.
• Fixed explorer.exe crashes.

Extra Changes for the EU

• You can hit a “Set default” button in Settings to set your favorite browser.
• Windows will grab extra file types for your chosen browser and pin it to Start and the taskbar (unless you opt out).
• There’s a toggle for handing .pdf files to your chosen app.

Known Issues

Microsoft says there are no known problems with this update right now.

Quick Steps to Update

1. Open Windows Update and check for updates.
2. If you want the offline installer, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
3. Download the .msu file for your PC type (64-bit or ARM).
4. Double-click the file to start the update.

This update makes your computer safer and easier to use. The new features help with space, privacy, and speed. If you use special tools like Narrator or have a Copilot+ PC, you get even more. The update is big, but it’s worth it for better performance and security.